The rapid proliferation of new drugs available to Australians has necessitated the use of innovative techniques to monitor their emergence. In this presentation, Monica uses the example of NBOMe drugs
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The rapid proliferation of new drugs available to Australians has necessitated the use of innovative techniques to monitor their emergence. In this presentation, Monica uses the example of NBOMe drugs (reportedly sold as
‘legal LSD’) to outline 4 ways of monitoring drug use trends online and in real-time (Google Trends, drug user forums, Twitter, and Silk Road). These tools are freely available for use by clinicians, AOD workers and researchers who are seeking further information about new drugs presented by clients, or that are talked about in their work.

Transcript

2.
The challenge
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New drugs are rapidly emerging
Survey research: months to years. if ever…
Secondary data: 1 to 3 years! if ever…
Can we better harness internet technologies to
monitor new drugs in real-time?

11.
Conclusion
• Demand for altered conscious states continues
• New drugs are marketed to meet this demand
• Freely available online tools can be used to
track new drug use in sentinel groups with no
delay
• This information can guide:
– our responses, e.g. harm reduction information
– additional research via surveys and indicator data